Sociological Definition
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual intended to exert
power and control over another individual in the context of an intimate relationship. Domestic
violence is maintained by societal and cultural attitudes, institutions, and laws that are not
consistent in naming this violence as wrong.
Legal Definition in Virginia
"Family abuse" means any act of violence, including any forceful detention, which results in
physical injury or places one in reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury and which is
committed by a person against such person's family or household member; or any act which
causes a family or household member to engage involuntarily in sexual activity by force, threat
of force or duress.
Pattern: Domestic violence involves more than one isolated incident of violence. These incidents can include
a wide variety of abusive behaviors, that often increase in frequency and intensity.
Abusive behaviors: These behaviors may include: verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, physical assaults, the
use of weapons, destruction of property, abuse of pets and violence toward other significant people.
Intended to exert power and control: The pattern of behaviors is not a matter of coincidences or a result of a
time-limited crisis. Rather, it is an ongoing part of the relationship, designed to maintain control over the
partner.
Intimate relationship: A relationship between two adults intended to provide emotional and/or physical
intimacy. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Men and women can be the abuser or the abused. Abuse
can and does occur in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
